SANTA FE—Today, the House of Representatives unanimously endorsed Rep. Bob Wooley’s House Bill 67, the New Mexico Stolen Valor Act. HB 67 makes misrepresentation of military service in an attempt to gain benefits or special consideration a misdemeanor crime. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR1) was passed by a Senate Committee for the first time. HJR 1 a constitutional amendment that seeks to uplift New Mexico children by increasing funding for early childhood education. Sponsored by Representatives Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque) and Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque), HJR1 invests in our state’s most precious resource, our children, by increasing enrollment in early childhood education and providing a strong return on investment to New Mexicans.

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR1) was passed by a Senate Committee for the first time. HJR 1 a constitutional amendment that seeks to uplift New Mexico children by increasing funding for early childhood education. Sponsored by Representatives Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque) and Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque), HJR1 invests in our state’s most precious resource, our children, by increasing enrollment in early childhood education and providing a strong return on investment to New Mexicans.

SANTA FE—Today the House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 52, a bipartisan measure to limit the market for stolen vehicles. HB 52 is sponsored by Rep. Monica Youngblood (R-Albuquerque) and Rep. Patricio Ruiloba (D-Albuquerque).

HB 52 requires auto-recyclers and scrap yards to contact the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department when purchasing a motor vehicle. Auto recyclers must confirm the vehicle has not been reported stolen and register specific information about the transaction.

SANTA FE—Tonight the House of Representatives approved House Bill 197, a plan developed by Roswell-area legislators to allow local governments to create industrial air center special economic districts. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Candy Spence Ezzell (R-Roswell), Rep. Bob Wooley (R-Roswell), Rep. James Townsend (R-Artesia), and Rep. Greg Nibert (R-Roswell). The bill passed by a vote of 64 to 3.

SANTA FE—This evening, the House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 130, an effort sponsored by Rep. Paul Bandy (R-Aztec) to improve school security throughout New Mexico.

HB 130 sets aside a total of $25 million from the Public School Outlay Fund over the next five years for school security projects. The money would allow schools to improve communication systems, construct fencing, create checkpoints, upgrade classroom doors, exterior doors, and window locks, and install video cameras.

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, Rep. Derrick Lente’s (D-Sandia Pueblo) bill that would improve Native American student success passed the House with bipartisan support. HB 151 would determine which services public school districts need to ensure Native American students have the resources to graduate and prepare for college.“New Mexico needs bold, smart investments in our Native communities to put students ahead. This bill has the potential to enact successful, long-term outcomes for Native American students, which will benefit the economic success of New Mexico as a whole,” said Rep. Derrick Lente.

According to the New Mexico Public Education Department, more than 35,000 Native American students attend public schools across the state. Native students’ levels of proficiency in reading, math, and science dramatically lag behind their non-Native counterparts. This bill helps address this shortfall by closing the achievement gap for Native students.

HB 151 passed the House by a vote of 44-21 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.